SAA has added two A320s to its fleet in the last two weeks, growing its total fleet to 20 aircraft.

“SAA’s fleet growth comes as the airline enters a phase of consolidation, increasing the frequency of flights to service an existing route network, to ensure South African leisure and business travellers enjoy more direct access to major African cities,” said Professor John Lamola, SAA Interim CEO.

Despite a post-pandemic supply chain crisis that has delayed new aircraft deliveries and increased the cost and scarcity of second-hand aircraft, the two leased narrow-body A320s, branded in SAA livery, arrived in Johannesburg from Ireland-based AerCap.

According to the carrier’s statement, it plans to add five aircraft to its fleet during this year.

The aircraft delivery coincides with the launch of new flights and frequency increases. SAA just debuted its Dar es Salaam flights and increased frequency on its services to Harare and Lusaka.

Additionally, the airline introduced flights to Lubumbashi in November 2024 and increased flights to Lagos and Accra.

Besides the A320s, SAA’s fleet comprises A330s and A343s, which were used to relaunch intercontinental routes last year, including Johannesburg-São Paulo, Johannesburg-Perth, and Cape Town-São Paulo.

“This is a remarkable achievement considering that just over three years ago, the airline emerged from business rescue with just six aircraft. Since 2021, the team at SAA has worked strategically and consistently to grow the fleet and route network sustainably. These additional aircraft will enable SAA to continue fulfilling our promise to add seat capacity in both the domestic and regional markets and thereby contributing to the affordability of passenger air travel,” said Lamola.